“What’s there to talk about, Emma? Are you going to assure me that you’re not going to move away, too? Remember how Lucy was going to ‘divide her time’ between here and Vermont? We both know how that’s worked out.” He pulled his arm free of her grasp. “I gotta go before I say something that can’t be unsaid—or unheard.”

“Will you call me tomorrow?”

“Yeah, whatever.” He went through the door and bounded down the stairs.

She closed the door, turned the locks and leaned her forehead against it. “Sorry about that.”

“You don’t need to apologize.”

“I feel like I need to explain his reaction.”

“Only if you want to.”

“The four of us were like a little family, always together, until Cam left and then Lucy. He’s afraid I’m going to go, too, and he’ll be alone here.”

“Did you… Were you guys ever…”

“No, we didn’t date. Not really. We were each other’s plus one a few times at weddings and other events, but there was never anything between us besides close friendship.”

“He’s a good-looking guy.”

“Is he? I haven’t noticed.”

“Sure you haven’t,” he said with a chuckle.

“You don’t have any need to be jealous of him or any other guy.”

“That’s good to know.” He slid his arms around her waist and drew her in tight against him, hoping she could feel what her nearness did to him. “Is it bedtime yet?”

“We need to give her another half hour or so to make sure she’s asleep.”

Grayson walked backward to the sofa, bringing her with him.

Emma surprised him when she snuggled into his lap.

He wrapped his arms around her, content to hold her close—for now, anyway. “This was fun tonight.”

“This is my life.”

“It’s a nice life.”

“I like it, but it’s better with you here.”

Her words touched him deeply. “I don’t know if I can stand to wait another half hour to touch you the way I’ve been dying to all day.” Because he was holding her so close, he felt the tremble that traveled through her.

“You can do it.”

“I feel like I’m having the best dream of my entire life since I met you.”

“I’m having the same dream,” she said softly.

Grayson ran his fingers through her hair. “Are you upset about what Troy said?”

“Sort of. He’s a very good friend, and he’s had a hard time with everyone falling in love with guys in Vermont and leaving the city. I’ve felt the same way since Cam and Lucy left. It’s been a huge adjustment.”

“I’m sorry if I’ve made trouble for you with your friend.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Are you sure he’s not interested in you as more than a friend?”